Collating and posting device



March 14, 1944. w a P N 2,344,453

COLLATING AND POSTING DEVICE Filed May 31, 1943 5 Sheets-Sheet l FAVWOJ-L SHEET NAME 4 v 55 1 0 Y 3 j 4 g INVENTOR.

h lzzzchfil aqzze March 14, 1944. w. B. PAYNE 2,344,453

COLLATING AND POSTING DEVICE I Filed May 31, 1945 5 Sheets-Sheet 2 I I I I I I I I I .L.

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Filed May 51, 1943 5 Sheets-Sheet 5 INVENTOR.

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March 14, 1944. w. B. PAYNE 2,344,453

COLLATING AND POSTING DEVICE Filed May 51, 1945 5 Sheets-Sheet 5 5 1a 39- .FgZO

k) :8 1 W 17 K I INVENTOR. l Vill civzB.v Pc yne Patented Mar. 14, '1944 COLLATING AND POSTING DEVICE Walter B. Payne. Rochester, N. Y., assignor to The Todd Company, Inc., Rochester, N. Y., a

corporation of New York Application May 31, 1943, Serial N0. 489,190 18 Claims. (01. 282-3) The present invention relates to improvements, in a sheet collating and posting device, such as an appliance adapted to receive business forms of different size and character and to hold the forms in manifolding relation, and by the use of which entries may be posted on the original or uppermost sheet and transferred to the underlying sheets at one writing. One important advantage of the device resides in the fact that provision is made to readily position the various record sheets with predetermined entry lines at the variable writing line of the appliance. It is particularly useful in assembling a set of separate record sheets so as to carry out the bookkeeping operations essential in the manual posting of entries relative to payroll or other disbursements as well as accounts receivable, such as installment accounts of merchants, loan or finance organizations, or other business institutions.

A further object is the provision of a collating. and posting device arranged to receive and hold a master sheet having successive lines upOn which entries are to be posted. The construction further provides a shiftable auxiliary means arranged to position the entry line of one or more other record sheets in register with a predetermined entry line of the master sheet.

Another object of the invention is the provis on of a simple and portable collating and posting device having practically no complicated moving or mechanical parts adapted to wear out or require service and repair. The construction is such that substantially the entire device may be made of non-metallic materials. I

A still further object of the invention resides in the provision of a construction which provides a flexible collating and posting device wherein the sheet carrying and positioning parts may be adjusted to handle various forms or take care of variations in the sheets due to manufacturing inaccuracies as well as any expansion or contraction of the printed paper forms due to climaticcondition A further object of the invention is to provide means whereby a small and compact machine of the character mentioned may be so constructed as to permit of its use with a record sheet having positioning apertures spaced differently from the spacing of the entry lines on the sheet.

To these and other ends the invention resides in certain other improvements and combinations of parts, all as will be hereinafter more fully described, the 'novel features being pointed out in the claims at the end of the specification.

In the drawings:

Fig. 1 is a plan view of the collating and posting device showing a certain form positioned on the writing bed and the shiftable auxiliary sheet holding unit in the uppermost position.

Fig. 2 is a plan view similar to Fig. 1 but showing a record sheet positioned on the auxiliary sheet holding unit, such as an employees earning or compensation record sheet.

-Fig. 3 is an enlarged fragmentary plan view similar to Fig. 2, but showing a second record sheet positioned on the shiftable auxiliary sheet holding unit, such as a-voucher payroll check superimposed upon the earning record sheet.

Fig. 4 is a plan view similar to Fig. 1 but with the displaceable auxiliary sheet holding unit removed from the base, and a record sheet, such as the master payroll register or journal sheet positioned thereon.

Fig. 5 is a transverse vertical section taken substantially on the line 5-5 of Fig. 1, showing the various sheet holding pins, the auxiliary sheet holding unit and the carbon transfer supply roll and support therefor arranged in the base of the device.

Fig. 6 is a longitudinal vertical section taken substantially on the line 6- 6 of Fig. 5.

Fig. 7 is a longitudinal vertical section taken substantially on the line 1-1 of Fig. 5, disclosing among other things, the manner in which the carbon strip is led to the bed and interposed between the master sheet and the sheet carrier member of the auxiliary holding unit.

. Fig. 8 isa detail plan view of the detachable auxiliary sheet holding unit.

Fig. 9 is a fragmentary bottom view. of the auxiliary unit showing the longitudinal guide groove in the grip bar thereof and the spaced centering recesses formed in the bottom of the groove of the bar.

Fig. 10 is a transverse vertical section taken substantially on the line Ill-l0 of Fig. 8.

Fig. 11 is a longitudinal section taken sub stantially on the line ll-H of Fig. 8.

Fig. 12 is a fragmentary view of a business form, such as a master payroll register or journal sheet, adapted to be collated on and posted by use of the device.

Fig. '13 is a fragmentary view .'of another form,

ll tion record.

Fig. 14 is a vertical section taken substantially on the line "-44 of Fig. 11.

Fig. 15 is a transverse section taken substantially on the line |5-l5 of Fig. 10.

Fig. 16 is a plan view of the removable auxiliary sheet holding unit showing a modified form of the invention providing an adjustable pin holding strip for the forms to be collated.

Fig. 1'7 is a plan view similar to Fig. 16 but showing the adjustable holding pin strip in another position. v

Fig. 18 is a longitudinal vertical section sub stantially on the line |8l8 of Fig. 16.

Fig. 19 is a detail plan view of the adjustable pin strip supported on the sheet holding member of the auxiliary unit.

Fig. 20 is a fragmentary plan view of a sheet carrier member of the auxiliary sheet holding imit showing the arrangement of slots and apertures formed therein.

Fig. 21 is'a somewhat enlarged fragmentary plan view showing the adjustable pin strip on the carrier member of the auxiliary holding 'imit in the position shown in Fig. 16 and a record sheet positioned with the first entry line aligned with the writing line of the device.

The reference numerals throughout the several views indicate the same parts.

The invention comprehends a collating and posting or writing device adapted for use in record making operations essential to disbursement and accounts receivable procedures. While the device may be used for various types of record making 'or bookkeeping operations, it will be described, by way of example,in connection with a payroll disbursement procedure. In modern payroll practice it is essential to produce complete records to comply with Federal and State requirements, as well as to supply each employee with a record of regular, overtime, and bonus earnings, and all deductions, including items such as the withholding tax, social security, un-

- employment and group insurance, etc. In order to avoid discrepancies between the different payroll records, reduce the time required to produce the records and to provide an eflicient procedure, it has been found-highly desirable to produce all the records at onetime.

According to modern payroll practice it is essential to prepare a master payroll register, individual earning record, and a pay check or cash envelope bearing information as to earnings and deductions. A representative of a payroll register or journal sheet I0 is shown by way' of example in Fig. 12, and comprises a master sheet having successive lines for the reception of the employee's name and upon which entries are to be posted. One side of the sheet III is shown with portion II for the reception of the employees identification and the other side with a portion 12 having vertical columns arranged for entry having to do with earnings and deductions. a

An individual earnings or compensation record sheet is also used for the purpose of producing a period or annual report of weekly transactions of each employee. A representation of an earnings or compensation record sheet I4 is disclosed inFigs. 2 and 13 of the drawings. This record sheet is preferably provided with a history record at the top, and. the main portion havingweeklyentry lines and vertical columnar headings corresponding to the portion I! of the 7 master payroll sheet "IL 'With pay-by-check procedures, it has been found advantageous to use a check form having 7 a detachable stub portion adapted to carry a record of earnings and deductions. A'representation of a check I6 with a removable voucher stub portion l'I provided with a posting line is shown, by way of example, in Fig. 3 of the drawings. While the record of earnings and deductions may be embodied in the body of a pay check or cash envelope, it is common practice to inscribe such information on a, detachable stub portion of a check or envelope so that the record maybe retained by the employee. 7

In the use of the present invention the master'payroll register or journal Ill is first positioned on the writing bed of the device and adapted to have a line of entry transferred thereon in each posting operation. A strip of carbon is then placed on the master sheet and adapted to transfer writing inscribed on forms placed thereover. The individual earnings or compensation record sheet l4 and the, check I I with a voucher stub, are positioned on the device with the entry lines thereof in register with a' predetermined-entry of the master sheet. The forms are positioned on the device in superimposed manifolding relation so that any inscription made on the entry line of the, original ortop form is transferred to the underlying payroll sheets.

Referring now to the drawings, the device is provided with a base 20 having an inclined writing bed surface 21. As best seen in Figs. 1, 4, and 5, a longitudinal row. of holding pins 24 are mounted on the base and project above the plane of the writing bed surface. The row of pins 24 is arranged adjacent the left side of the upper bed surfa'e and adapted to engage perforated holes 2 in; -the master payroll register or journal sheet II. The perforated master payroll sheet "is provided with successive linesupon which entries are to be posted.

In Fig. 4- of the drawings, the master sheet III is shown impaled upon the studs 24 and positioned on the writingbed ll ofthe base for the reception of entries thereon. In, order to facilitate the manual posting operation with the device, it has been found preferable to position the master sheet ID, as shown in the full lineof Fig. 4, for initially posting the upper half of the sheet. .While the entire sheet may be posted in this position, it has been found advantageous to move the master sheet I. to the dotted line position shown in Fig. 4, for posting the lower half of the sheet. Inthe latter position, the two uppermost studs 24 receive and retain the sheet ll during the posting operation. The employees names, clock numbers, and other desirable data is usually placed on the portion ll of the payroll register or journal sheet ll prior to the sheet being positioned on the device. The employee's data may be arranged on the payroll register according to departments. or divisions and either written thereon or imprinted with an addressing machine. However, as hereinafter described. the name portion ll of the master payroll register may be written while the sheet III is positioned on the device at the-same time and along with the posting operations.

after the master sheet II has been impaled on the studs 24 and positioned on the writing bed 2|,

- a transfer strip 2 is laid over the portion. I! of the sheetll adapted to receive the entries having to do with the employee's earnings and dedllctions. While the transferstrip may be a separate sheet, it has been found advantageous toprovide a continuous web of carbon material. Referring to Figs. 5, 6, and '7, it will be seen that a roll 28 of transfer material is suitably supported within the base 28 of the device. A pair of spaced cleats 29 and 38 are mounted on the under side of the writing bed 2| and adapted to receive the carbon roll 28 therebetween. The carbon roll 28 is supported by a rod 3| adapted to be inserted through an aperture formed in the cleat38. The cleat 28 is provided with a recess 33 adapted to receive one end of the rod 3| to support the other side of the carbon roll. The opposite end- 32 of the rod 3| extends beyond the outer side of the. cleat 38 so that it may be' grasped and withdrawn to permit replacement of the carbon roll. A recessed holding member 34 for the rod 3| is pivoted at. 35 to the cleat 38 and adapted .to' be swung about its pivot to permit withdrawal of the rod 3|.

The cleats 28 and 38 are formed with longitudinal slots 36 adjacent their bottom edge to support a bottom plate 31 of a flexible. material. The front portion of the base 28 is provided with recessed portion 38 at the bottom edge to permit the plate 31 to be inserted in theslots 36. However, the slots 36 are arranged in a plane that is.

slightly above the edge of the portion 38 of the base. The front ends of the cleats 29 and 38 adjacent the front end of the base are cut away at 39 for clearance purposes. The arrangement provides that in positioning the flexibl plate 31, the

leading end thereof is inserted in the slots 36. Due to the fact that the slots 36 arein a different plane from the edge of the recess 38 of the base. the flexible plate 31 will be: bowed slightly until the end passes beyond the edge of the portion 38.

After the plate 31 is properly positioned within the base, theend thereof snaps behind the edge of the portion 38 of the base so as to prohibit displacement thereof. When it is desired to remove the plate 31 for replacing the carbon spool 28,'it is only necessary to flex the end of the plate beyond the portion 38 of the base and slide the plate from the slots 36.

The leading end of the carbon strip from the roll 28 is extended toward the front of the posting device and passed through an elongated opening 48 formed in the base, Figs. 4 and '7. A sufllcient length of the carbon strip is unwound from the roll so that it will overlie the master payroll sheet l8 previously positioned on the writing surface of the base. Inasmuch as most carbon paper permits of several writings to be transferred from the same area thereof it has been found that it is unnecessary to advance the carbon strip after each posting operation. When a fresh area of the carbon is needed, it is only necessary to grasp the end and pull it from the supply roll. It is to be understood that the used portion of the carbon paper .is then torn .off and discarded.

A stationary guard plate 4| is removably s pported on the base 28 and intended to p e and prevent the underlying carbon from transferring during posting operations. in Figs. 1, 4, and '7, the guard plate 4| overlies the carbon along the front end of-the device. The base 28 is provided with holes 42 adapted to receive stud 43 carried by. the plate 4| for remov- V ably mounting the guard on the base.

After the master payroll'register or journal sheet |8 has been positioned on the writing bed and the carbon strip 26 superimposed thereover,

an auxiliary i'ecord sheet holding'unit, generally indicated by the reference numeral 58, is mounted on the base of the device to position and hold one or more record sheets with the entry line thereof As best seen grooved bar 5| is arranged to be placed over a series of guidepins 55 carried on the base 28 and projecting above the plane of the upper surface of the writing bed surface 2|. The series of pins 55 serve to guide the bar 5| for longitudinal movement with respect to the master sheet |8 positioned on the writing bed of the device. I

.The grip bar 5| is also formed with a series of recesses 51, preferably spaced to substantially correspond with the spacing of the entry lineson the master sheet |8. A locating or centering pin 56 is mounted on the base 28 and adapted to enter one of the recesses 51 of the series to properly position the-bar 5| with relation to the lines on the master sheet for the purpose hereinafter more fully described. It will be obvious that the centering recesses 51 and the cooperating centering means 56 may be arranged in a number of different ways. However, for the purpose or the present disclosure, applicant has arranged the series of spaced recesses 51 in the bottom of groove 54 of the bar 5|. One of the series of pins 55 preferably positioned intermediate the ends of the series, serves as a centering means and is designated by the reference numeral 56. The centering pin 56 is of a length greater than the depth of the groove formed in the bar 5| and adapted to enter one of/the recesses 51 to position and hold the grip bar 5| of the auxiliary unit in a predetermined selected position.

Referring to Figs. 5 and 18, it will be seen that the grip bar 5| is formed with a slot 68 for supporting the sheet holding member or carrier 52. The slot 68 is provided in the side of the bar5| adapted to be positioned adjacent the master sheet holding pins 24 on the base 28. As viewed in Fig. 5, the slot 68 is formed so that when the bar is mounted on the base 28 of the device, the slot is above the plane of the extremities of the pins 24. A plurality of bolts 58 are provided to clamp the sheet carrier member 52 within the slot 68 of the grip bar 5|. As best seen in Figs. 8, 10, and 15 of the drawings, the bolts pass through the bar 5| and holes 59 in the carrier member 52. The holes 59 of the member 52 I are slightly larger than the bolts 58 so as to.

permit the carrier member to be adjusted relative to the bar 5| by merely loosening the bolts for the purpose hereinafter more fully described.

The sheet carrier member 52 may be any suitable contour but in the present.instance it is shown as a rectangular-shaped memberof plastic or other sheeting material. The free end portion of the member 52 is adapted to overlie the carbon strip 26 and the master sheet l8 on the writing bed of the device. Along with the function of carrying the record sheets, it also serves as means to protect the carbon, especially to prevent undesired marking from being transferred to the master sheet. An aperture 68 is provided in the carrier member 52 to expose the employee's nameportion ll of the master sheet l8. In the event the employee's names are not imprinted on the master sheet prior to posting device.

roll records.

they may be inscribed thereon through the opening 68. I

The carrier member 52 is also provided with a cut-away formation 6| to permit entries to be transferred to the earnings and deduction portion' l2 of the master payroll sheet l6. Alongitudinal row' of spaced pins 64 is mounted on the carrier member 52 to one side of the transverse I cut-away'formation 6|. The pins 64 are adapted ,:to receive and removably retain one Or more perforated record sheets, such as the earnings "record l4 and the voucher check form I6. One of a the pins of the series, designated by the-reference numeral 65, is positioned substantially on a transverse line passing through the center of the cutaway portion 6| of the carrier member 52. This pin 65 may be colored or otherwise distinguished from the. other pins 64 of the series and serves to indicate the variable writing line of the posting The holding pins 64 and pin 65 are adapted to engage certain of the equally spaced marginal perforations 66 of the earnings record sheet l4. After the record sheet I4 is positioned on the carrier member 52 and impaled on the holding pins 64 and the desired entry line aligned with the colored pin 65, the Perforated voucher check form I6 is thencollated on the auxiliary sheet holder 56.

It will now be clear from the foregoing detail description, that in preparing the device for use the shiftable auxiliary sheet holding unit 56 and normally stationary guard plate 4| are removed from the base 26. The device is then ready and prepared for the initial operation of collating the forms in predetermined relation for posting a line of entries; The steps in the use of the device'will be explained to show what would take place from week to week in preparing the pay- In most modern payroll procedures, the employee's names are imprinted on the master payroll sheet prior to the posting operation by a typewriter or addressing machine. Therefore, the first step in the use of the present invention resides in impaling the weekly or departmental master payroll register'or journal sheet I!) on the pins 24 so as to position the sheet on the writing bed 2| in the position shown by the full lines in Fig. 4. The carbon strip 26 is then drawn through the the slot'46 so as to overlie the earnings and deduction portion I! of the master sheet l6. The front guard plate is then mounted on the base by inserting the studs 43 in the holes 41 of the base 26. After these preliminary steps are completed, the auxiliary sheet holding unit 56 is then mounted on the base 26.

The auxiliary unit 56 is readily handled by the operator by grasping the grip bar which supports thesheet carrier member 52. In mounting unit with a predetermined entry line of the master sheet l6 but also prevents any displacement of the unit during a positing operation. As shown in Fig. 1, it has been found preferable to initially position the auxiliary carrier 56 with v l6 on the pins 64 so that the entry line on the upper voucher portions I1 is in linewith the indicator pin 65. While a carbon sheet may be interposed between the record sheet l4 and the voucher portion ll of the check, it has been found more expedient to strip or spot carbonize the,

back of the voucher panel as indicated at 61'. With the. various forms collated as above described, the weekly items having to do with the earnings and deductions of the specific employee named may :be posted on the original and transferred to the proper entry lines of the underlying payroll records. Referring by 'way of example to Fig. 3 of the drawings, the master payroll sheet l6, earnings record l4, and check l6 are shown collated on the. device in manifolding relation.

the auxiliary unit 56 on the writing bed surface I 2 the groove 54 of the grip bar is registered with the longitudinal rows of guide pins 55 on the base. By raising either end of the grip bar, preferably the end nearest the operator, the auxiliary unit 56-is shifted on the base until the desired employee's name appears through the sight aperture 66 of the carrier member 52. After the auxiliary unit is shifted, with the assistance of -;the colored stud 65, to disclose the desired ,entryline onthe master sheet l6, the centering pin 56,011 the base will readily enter one of the recesses of the bar 5|. The pin 56 not only aligns the cut-away formation of the auxiliary However, in this view the auxiliary sheet holding unit 56 is shown shifted and the earnings records positioned differently from that shown in Fig. 2 of the drawings. 4

After the entry line of the voucher portion ll of the pay check l6 has been posted, both the voucher check l6 and the record sheet H are removed from the auxiliary holding unit 56 as the posting operation for a specific employee has been completed. In continuing the payroll operations, theauxiliary unit 56 is shifted to expose the second name on the master payroll sheet 6 through the sight aperture 66. By shifting the unit 56 the pin and the cut-away formation 6| or writing line of the device is registored'with the next or second entry line of the sheet 6 to be posted. This is accomplished by the operators grasping the grip bar 5| and raising one end sufficientiy to disengage the centering pin 56 from a recess 51. However, it is not necessary to raise the bar sufllciently to disengage the groove 54 of the bar 5| from cooperation with the series of pins 55. Therefore, with the centering pin 56 disengaged, the auxiliary unit may be shifted,

and through the cooperation of the pins 55 with the groove 54 of the bar it may be guided to move in a straight longitudinal path.

In shifting the auxiliary unit 56 one space, the centering pin engages the next recess 51 of the bar 5| so as to accurately position the unit with I respect to the second or predetermined entry line of the master payroll sheet l6. The earnings rec- 0rd sheet l4 and the voucher check l6 corresponding to the second named employee on the master sheet 6 are then positioned on the auxiliary holding unit in the same manner explained in connection with the first set of forms. After the earnings and deduction items are posted, the earnings record and check are removed and the collating operation repeated for each employee named on the master sheet l6. 4

It has been found expedient to shift the master sheet I 6 after the upper half of the sheet has I dotted line position, the

been posted "In this way, the

writing line of the deviceis always in a favorable writing position.

To shift the sheet Ill, it is only necessary to lift *it from the initial position shown by @111 lines in Fig. 4 and reposition the sheet to the location commonly used ferent times, and in some cases, obtained from different-suppliers, it is not uncommon to find that the horizontal and vertical lines do not register when the forms are placed in superimposed relation. This'situation is somewhataggravated when the forms are positioned by; perforations punched in the course of fabrication. The variationsin theforms may be theresult of manufacturing inaccuracies or develop after the forms are produced because of thewell known-changes ;which take place in paper due to atmospheric conditions. The present. invention [if-provides means to overcome the difficulties arising as the result of variations in the difierent forms of the character above mentioned. As previously ex-1 plained, the sheet carrier member 52is' normally rigidly supported by the gripwbar 5|. J However,

=by loosening the bolts 58 the member 52 may be shifted with respect to the bar 5| by reason of the enlarged apertures 59 provided in the memher 52. By slightly shifting the member 52, the

cially adapted to handle special types of forms,

is shown in Figs. 16 to 2Hnclusive. In this em-' .bodiment, instead of the longitudinally arranged row of positioning and holding pins 64 being rigidly mounted on the sheet carrier member 52,

they are carried by an independent strip 10 adjustably supported on the carrier member 52. As best seen in Fig. 20, the modified sheet carrier member 52als provided with a longitudinally arranged row of,elongated holes II. A strip I0, best seen in Fig. 19, carries a longitudinal row of pins 64a and is adjustably supported on the A slightly modified form of the invention, espe' back of the carrier member 52a, Fig.18. A headed rivet 12 carried by the strip l0 engages the elongated slot 13 of the member 52a and supports one end of the strip 10. The opposite end of the strip I0 is supported by the bolt I4 passing through the elongated slot 15 of the strip 10. The pins 54a are arranged to project through the slots II of the member. 5211. and are adapted-to receive and removably retain the record sheet I! positioned on the auxiliary sheet holding unit 50. The sheet carrier member 52a is provided with a'pointed projection 16 to indicate the constant writing line of the sheet'carrier 52a; 7

The "adjustable pin strip Ill provides for positioning every entry line of the earnings record sheet positioning and holding studs l are moved so that the lines, for example, on the record sheet Il, may be registered accurately with the correspending lines on.the underlying master sheet 10. After the lines of the forms to beposted are ened so that the sheet carrier member 52 supporting the holding pins 64 is rigid with the grip bar 5|. ,Ordinarily, once the sheet holding parts are adjusted to accommodate the forms of a set it is unnecessary to make any further changes in the setting of the device.

ranged apertures. In changingthe carriermem- 'ber 52, it'isonly necessary to withdraw the bolts, 58 from the grip 5| so as to permit the carrier 1 member to be pulled from the slot 60. Thesubstitute members 52 may vary in overall length and the sight aperture 68 aswell as the cut-away formation 6| may be longer or shorter according to the layout of the entry lines of the forms to be posted. ,Obviously, the position of the row of holding pins 6| may be modified dependent upon the length of the sight aperture GI. In the event diiferent types and styles of record sheets; such as earnings records and voucher checks, are essential in the bookkeeping or payroll operations of a user of the present invention, it is possible in substantial registration, the bolts 58 are tightlines. For example, in the event the entry lines of the earning sheet I 4 are spaced one-quarter inch apart and the punchings 66 are spaced onehalf inch apartf it would be impossible to position every other entry line at the writing'jline of the device unless some provision was made for altering the position of the holding Pins 54. In order to overcome this difliculty and provide greater flexibility, the present invention is arranged to permit the pinsto be shiftedto accommodat forms wherein the perforations are spaced diflerently than the entry lines thereof.

Referring to Fig. 16, it will be seen that the perforations iia of the record sheet H are spaced to align-with every-other entry line tlii'eof. In

- this view of the drawings, the pin strip in is adjusted on the sheetflcarrier 52a so that the colored, stud a isxaligned with the writing line indicato'rlflfir In this position. the pins 64a are adapted to locate the record sheet M with the No. 1 entry'line in register with the writing line to provide a different auxiliary sheet holding unit 50 for each type of work. In this way, it is merely necessary to mount the particular auxiliary unit 50 on the base 20 that is adapted and arranged 'to'ha'ndle the specific set of forms.

of the device. Obviously, with the -pin strip l0 in position shown in Fig. 16, the record sheet Il may b positioned so as to position any odd numbered entry line in register with the writing line of the auxiliary unit 50. It is to be understood that in payroll operationsthe same entry line would be used for all record sheetsposted for a given week or period. Therefore,- it is only period.

.necessary to adjust the pin strip Ill once for such In order to position the pin strip 10 so that i the entry line No. 2, or for that matter any even numbered entry line, may be registered with the writing line of the sheetcarrier 52a and of the device, the pin strip is shifted to the position shown in Fig. 17. In this position, the pins a of the strip ill have been shifted rearward so that the entry line No. 2 is inregister-withthe pointer 16 of the sheet carrier 52a. all the posting operations have been entered on the earnings,record for the second week, the pin strip III is again shifted to the position shown in Fig. 16 so that the earnings record sheets It may be properly mounted on the device for posting earnings on the next odd numbered entry line. Obviously, the shiftable pin strip and movement thereof may be arranged to permit adjustment for any punching that varies from the spacing of the entry lines of the earnings or compensation record sheet.

In the modified form of the auxiliary sheet holding unit it has been found desirable to position the holding pins for the voucher check 16 on the right end of the sheet holding member 52a. As seen in Figs. 16 and 17, holding pins 59 carried by the sheet holding member 52a are adapted to receive and removably retain the check lBa. A detachable end stub portion I8 of the voucher check lfia is provided with perforations to engage the pins 69. With this arrangement, the shiftable p'in strip '10 carrying the pins 64a may be moved as described without altering the location of the check holding pins 69.

While certain embodiments of the invention have been disclosed and described, it is to be understood that the inventive idea may be carried out in a number of ways. This application is therefore not limited to the precise details described but is intended to cover all variations and modifications thereof falling within the spirit of the invention or scope of the appended claims.

Iclaim:

1. A collating and posting device having a variable writing line and being adapted for use in posting items on a plurality of sheets positioned thereon in superimposed relation with transfer means therebetween having in combination, a base afiording a writing bed, means on the upper surface of said base adapted to receive and removably retain a master sheet having successive lines upon which entries are to be posted, an auxiliary sheet holding unit slidably mounted on the upper surface of said base for longitudinal movement with respect to the underlying master sheet, said auxiliary unit including a manual grip bar and carrier means supported by the bar adapted to receive and removably retain arecord sheet having a line upon which entries are to be posted, a series of longitudinally spaced guide pins entries are to be posted, said auxiliary holder including amanually movable grip bar and means carried thereby adapted to receive and removably retain a record sheet, a series of longitudi-' nally spaced guide pins arranged on said base and projecting above the plane of the upper surface of the base, said grip bar having a longitudinal groove for-med thereinand adapted to engage said series of pins to guide'said auxiliary holder through its path of movement, said grip bar having a series of equally spaced recesses formed in the bottom of said groove, one of the guide pins of said series being of a length greater than the depth of the groove formed in said bar and being adapted to enter a recess of said series so as to position said auxiliary holder with the entry line of a record sheet supported thereon in manifolding register with a predetermined entry line of the underlying master sheet.

3. A collating and posting device having a variable writing line and being adapted for use in posting items on a plurality of sheets positioned thereon in superimposed ,relation with transfer means therebetween having in combination, a base affording a writing bed, means on the upper surface of said base adapted to receive and removably retain a master sheet having successive lines upon which entries are to be posted,

a displaceable auxiliary sheet holding unit slidably mounted on the upper surface of said base for longitudinal movement with respect to the underlying master sheet and being adapted to support one or more superimposed record sheets having a line upon which entries are to be posted, said auxiliary unit including a manually movable grip bar and means carried by said bar adapted toreceive and removably retain the record sheet, a series of longitudinally spaced guide pins arranged on said base and projecting above the plane of the upper surface of the base, said grip bar having a longitudinal groove formed therein and adapted to engage said series of pins arranged on said base and projecting above the plane of the ,upper surface of the base, said grip I bar having a longitudinal groove formed therein and adapted to engage said'series of pins to guide said auxiliary unit through its path of movement, said grip bar also having a series of centering recesses spaced to substantially correspond with the spacing of the entry lines of the master sheet, and a locating pin supported on said base for cooperation with any one of the recesses of said series in said bar and being adapt- 7 ed to position said auxiliary unit with the entry line of the record sheet supported thereon in re ister with a predetermined entry line of the underlying master sheet.

2., A collating and posting device having 2, variable writing line and being adapted for use in manually posting items on a plurality of sheets H positioned thereon in superimposed relation with transfer means therebetween having in combination, a base affording a writing bed, means on the upper surface of said bas adapted to receive and removably retain a master sheet having successive lines upon which entries are to be posted, an auxiliary sheet holder slidably mounted on the upper surface of said base for longitudinal movement with respect to the underlying master sheet and being adapted to support one or more record sheets having a line upon which .to guide said auxiliary unit through its path of movement, saidgrip bar also-having a series of recesses formed in the bottom of said groove and spaced to substantially correspond with the spacing of the entry lines of the master sheet, one of said guide pins of said series being of a length greater than the depth of the groove formed in said bar and adapted to enter' one of said recesses to position said auxiliary unit with the entry line of,a record sheet supported thereon in register with a predetermined entry line of the underlying master sheet.

4. A collating and posting device having a variable writing line and being adapted for use in manually posting items on a plurality of sheets positioned thereon in superimposed relation with transfer means therebetween having in combination, a base affording a writing bed, means on the upper surface of said base adapted to receive and removably retain a master sheet having successive lines upon which entries are to be posted, a displaceable auxiliary sheet holding unit slidably mounted on the upper surface of said base for longitudinalmovement with respect to the underlying master sheet and being adapted to support one or more record sheets having a line upon which entries are to be posted, said auxiliary unit including a manually shiftable grip bar and a rectangular-shaped sheet carrier member having one end supported by said bar, said carrier member overlying the master sheet and having an aperture adapted to denote the writing area wherein entries may be duplicated upon the underlying master sheet, a set of studs on said carrier member adjacent said aperture and being adapted to engage holes in the record sheet and retain same with its line of tentry alignedwith said aperture, a series of longitudinally spaced guide pins arranged on said base and projecting above the plane of the upper surface of the base, said grip bar having a longitudinal groove formed therein and adapted to engage said series of pins to guide said auxiliary unit through its path of movement, said grip bar also having a series of centering recesses formed in the bottom of said groove and spaced to substantially correspond with the spacing of the entry lines of the master sheet, one of said guide pins of said series being of a length greater than the depth of the groove formed in said bar and being adapted to enter one of said recesses to position said auxiliary unit with the entry line of a record sheet supported thereon in manifolding register with a predetermined entry line of the underlying master sheet.

5. A collating and posting device having a variable writing line and being adapted for use in manually posting items on a plurality of sheets positioned thereon in superimposed relation with transfer means therebetween having in combination, a base afiording a writing bed, means on the upper surface of said base adapted to receive and removably retain a master sheet having successive lines upon which entries are to be posted, a removable auxiliary sheet holder slidably-mounted on the upper surface of said base for longitudinal movement with respect to the underlying master sheet and being adapted to support one or more record sheets having a line upon which entries are to be posted, said auxiliary holder including a manually shiftable grip bai and a rectangular-shaped sheet carrier member having one end supported in said bar, saidcarrier member overlying the master sheet and having a cutaway formation adapted to denote the writing line of the device, a set of pins on said carrier' member adjacent said cut-away ormation adapted to receive and hold a record sheet with its line of entry aligned with said cut-,away formation, a series of longitudinally spaced guide pins arranged on said base and projecting above the plane of the upper surface of the base, said control bar having a longitudinal groove formed therein and adapted to engage said series of pins to guide said auxiliary holder through its path of movement, said control bar also having a series of recesses formed in the bottom'of saidgroove and spaced to substantially correspond with the spacing of the entry lines of the master sheet,

one of said guide pins of said series being of a length greater than the depth of the groove formed in said bar and being adapted to enter one of said recesses to position said auxiliary holder with the entry line of a record sheet supported thereon in register with a predetermined entry line of the underlying master sheet, and means for adjusting said sheet carrier member relative to the master sheet on said base so as to bring the entry line of the record sheet into alignment for accurate registration with the entry line of the master sheet.

6. A collating and posting device having a variable writing line and being adapted for use in manually posting items on a plurality of'payroll record sheets positioned thereon in superimposed relation with transfer means therebetween having in combination, fa base affording a writing bed, means on the upper surface of said base adapted to receive and removably retain a master sheet having successive lines upon' which entries are to be posted, said means comprising two or more spaced studs projecting above the plane of the upper surface of said base and being adapted to engage holes in the master sheet, a removable auxiliary sheet holding unit slidably mounted on the upper surface of said base for longitudinal movement with respect to the underlying master sheet and being adapted to support one or more record sheets each having a line upon which entries are to be posted, said auxiliary holding unit including a manually movable grip bar and .carrier member. supported at one end by said bar, a set of pins on said carrier member adapted to receive and removably retain the record sheets for movement with the holding unit, and a series of longitudinally spaced guide pins arranged on said base and projecting above the plane of the upper surface of the base, said grip bar having a longitudinal groove formed therein and adapted to .engage said series of pins to guide said auxiliary unit through its path of movement, said grip bar also having a series of recesses formed in the bottom of said groove and spaced to substantially correspond with the spacing of the entry lines of the master sheet, one of said guide pins of said series bein of a length greater than the depth of the groove formed in said bar and being adapted to enter one of said recesses to position said auxiliary unit with the entry lines of a record sheet supported thereonin register with a predetermined entry line of the underlying master sheet.

'7. A collating and posting device having a variable writing line and being adapted for use in manually posting items on a plurality of sheets positioned thereon in superimposed relation with transfer means therebetween having in combination, a base affording a writing bed, means on the upper surface of said base adapted to receive and removably retain a master sheet having successive lines upon which entries are to be posted, a displaceable auxiliary sheet holding unit slidably mounted on the upper surface of said base for longitudinal movement with respect to the underlying master sheet and being adapted to support one or more record sheets having a line upon which entries are to be posted, said auxiliary unit including a manual grip bar and an apertured masking member carried by the bar, means on said masking member adapted to receive and removably retain a record'sheet, a series of longitudinally spaced guide pins arranged on said base and projecting above the plane of the upper surface of the base, said grip bar having a longitudinal groove formed therein and adapted to engage said series of pins to guide said auxiliary unit through its path of movement, said grip bar also having a series of centering recesses formed in the bottom of said groove and spaced to substantially correspond with the spacing of the entry lines of the master sheet, one of said guide pins of said series being of a length greater than the adapted to enter one of said recesses to position said auxiliary unit with the entry line of a record sheet supported thereon in register with a predepth of the groove formed in said bar and being determined entry line of the underlying master tion, a base affording a writing bed surface, means on the bed surface adapted to receive and removably retain a master sheet having successive lines upon which entries are to be posted, means on said base for supporting a roll of carbon paper having the leading end thereof arranged to over-.

he the master sheet, a detachable auxiliary sheet holding unit shiftably mounted on said bed surface and adapted to carry one or more record sheets having aline upon which entries are to be posted, said auxiliary unit including a manual grip bar and acarrier member, said carrier member having one end fixed to said grip bar and a free end overlying the carbon strip and master sheet adapted to serve as a guard to prevent transfer of carbon other than desired to the master sheet, said carrier member having a cut-away formation adjacent the top edge adapted to provide a writing line portion at which entries may be transferred to the master sheet, means on said carrier member to receive and removably retain one or more record sheets with theentry line thereof in alignment with the cut-awaywriting line portion of said member, means on said bed surface adapted to cooperate with said grip bar for positioning said auxiliary unit so thatthe entry line of the record sheet carried thereby is in positive manifolding register with a predetermined selected entry line of the underlying master sheet, and a stationary carbon guard member removably -mounted adjacent the front edge of said bed most row of said pins adapted to engage holes in a master sheet impaled thereon having successive lines upon which entries are to be posted, a removable auxiliary sheet holding unit slidably mounted on said base for longitudinal movement with respect to the entry lines of the master sheet, said auxiliary unit including a sheet carrier member overlying the master sheet and a manual' grip bar secured thereto, said carrier member having means to receive and removably retain one or more record sheets having a line upon which entries are to be posted, said grip bar having a longitudinal groove formed therein and-a series of spaced recesses formed in the bottom of the groove, the groove of said bar being adapted to cooperate with the other of said rows of pins to guide the auxiliary unitduring movement thereof, vone of the pins of the other of said rows 'of pins being of a length greater than the depth of the groove formed in said bar and adapted to enter a recess formed in said bar, the arrangement being such that as the auxiliary unit supporting the record sheet is moved on the base the other of said row of pins serves to guide same in its path of movement and the longer pin of the row cooperatingwith any one of the recesses permits the unit to be readily positioned so that theentry line on the record sheet is in register with a predetermined entry line of the underlying master sheet.

10. A collating and posting device having a variable writing lineand being adapted for use in manually posting items on a plurality of sheets positioned thereon in superimposed relation with transfer means therebetween having in combination, a base affording a writing bed, two spaced longitudinally arranged rows of pins projecting from the upper surface of said base and parallel to the side edges thereof, one row of said pins serving as holding pins adapted to engage holes in a master sheet impaled thereon having successive lines upon which entries are to be posted, a removable auxiliary sheet holding unit slidably mounted on said base for longitudinal movement withrespect to the entry lines of the master sheet, said auxiliary unit including a sheet carrier member adapted to overlie the master sheet and a manual grip bar secured thereto, means on said carrier member adapted to receive and removably retain one or more record sheets having a line upon which entries are to be posted, said grip bar having a longitudinal groove formed therein and a series of spaced recesses formed in the bottom ,of the groove, the groove of said bar being adapted to dooperatewith the other of said rows of pins to guide the auxiliary unit during movement thereof, one of the pins of I the other of said rows of pins being of a length greater than the depth of the groove formedin. said bar and adapted to enter any one of the recesses formed in the said bar, the arrangement being such that the auxiliary unit is adapted to be raised slightly to displace the long pin from the recess in the bar and slidably guided by the other of said rows of pins to a different position, and when subsequently lowered the long pin again enters a recess of the bar to position the auxiliary unit with the entry line for a record sheet in accurate register with a different entry line of the underlying master sheet.

11. A collating and posting .device having a variable writing line and being adapted for use in posting items on a plurality of sheets positioned thereon in superimposed relation with transfer means therebetween having in combination, a base afl'ording a writing bed, a group of holding pins on the upper surface of said base adapted to engage holes in a master sheet having successive lines upon, which entries are to be posted, a manually manipulated grip bar slidably mounted adjacent said holding pins on the upper surface of said base for longitudinal movement with respect to the master sheet, said bar having a slot formed inthe side thereof adjacent said holding pins and above the plane of the extremities of the holding pins, a flexible sheet holding member having one end adjustably mounted in the slot of said shiftable grip bar, the other end of said holding member adapted to overlie the master sheet, means onsaid holding member adapted to receive and removably retain one or more record sheets having a line upon which entries are to be posted, a second series of longitudinally spaced guide pins arranged on said base and projecting above the plane of the upper surface of the base, said grip bar having a longitudinal groove formed therein and adapted to engage said second series of pins for guidance through its path of movement, said grip bar also having a series of centering recesses spaced to substantially correspond with the spacing of the entry lines of the master sheet, and means on said base for cooperation with any one of the recesses of said series in said bar and being adapted to position the holding member associated with the bar so that the entry line of a record sheet supported on the member is in register with a predetermined entry line of the correct any error in the alignment of the entry line of the record sheet carried by the holding member with the entry lines of the underlying master sheet 12. A collating and posting device having a variable writing line and being adapted for use in posting items on a plurality of sheets positioned thereon in superimposed relation with transfer means therebetween having in combination, a base affording a writing bed, a group of holding pins on the upper surface of said base adapted to engage holes in a master sheet having successive lines upon which entries are to be posted, a manually manipulated grip bar slidably mounted adjacent said holding pins on the upper surface of said base for longitudinal movement with respect to the master sheet, said bar having a slot formed in the side thereof adjacent said holding pins and above the plane of the extremities of said pins, a sheet holding member adapted to receive and removably retain one or more record sheets having a line upon which entries are to be variable writing line and being adapted for use,

in posting items on.a plurality of sheets positloned thereon in superimposed relation with transfer means therebetween having in combination a base affording a writing bed,- -'a group of holding-pins on the upper surface of said base adapted to engage holes in a master sheet having successive lines upon which entries are to be posted, a manually manipulated grip bar slidably,

mounted adjacent said holding pins on the upper register with a predetermined entry line of the underlying master sheet.

14. A collating and posting device having a variable writing line and being adapted for use in posting items on a plurality of sheets positioned thereon in superimposed relation with transfer means therebetween having in combination, a base affording an inclined writing bed, a group of holding pins on the upper surface of said base'adapted to engage holes in a master sheet having successive lines upon which entries are to be posted, a detachable manually manipulated grip bar slidably mounted adjacent said holding pins on the upper surface of said base for longitudinal movement with respect to the master-sheet, said bar having a slot formed in the side thereof adjacent said holding pins and above the plane oftheextremities of said pins, a flexible sheet holding member adapted to support one or more record sheets having a line upon which entries are to be posted, said holding member member adapted to overlie the master sheet,-

bottom of the guide groove of said bar and spaced to substantially correspond with the spacing of the entryline of the master sheet, one of 'the guide pins of said second group of pins being of a length greater than the depth of the guide groove formed in said bar and adapted to enter any recess of said series so as to accurately align said holding member carried by the bar with'the entry line of the record sheet thereon in register with'a predetermined entryline of the underlying master sheet, and means for adjustably securing said holding member to said grip bar. 1 ,3

15. A collating and posting device having a variable writing line and being adapted for use i in posting items on a plurality of sheets posisurface of said base for longitudinal movement with respect to the master sheet, said bar, having aslot'r'ormed inthe side thereof adjacent saidholding pins and above the plane of the extremities of the holding pins, a flexible sheet holding member having one end mounted in the slot of said-shiftable grip bar and free for movement over the-ends oi saidholding pins, the opposite end of said holding member adapted to overlie the master sheet, means on said holding member adapted to receive and removably retainone or more record sheets having a line upon which entries are to be posted, a second series of longi-' tudinally spaced guide pins arranged on said base and projecting above the plane of the upper surface of'the base, said grip bar having a longitudinal groove formed therein and adapted to engage said second series of pins for guidance through its path of movement, said grip bar also having a series of centering recesses spaced to substantially correspond with the spacing of thev tioned thereon in superimposed relation with transfer means therebetween having in combination, a base aifording a writing bed, means on 'the upper surface of said base adapted to receive and removably retain a master sheet having entry lines upon which entries are successively-posted, a displaceable auxiliary sheet holding unit having a common writing line slidably mounted on unit having a sheet carrier portion adapted to supp rt a record sheet having a plurality of entry lines and marginal positioning apertures spaced difierently from that of the entry lines of the sheet, a pin strip slidably mounted on said sheet carrier and having a series or hol ing pins adapted to engage the positioning apertures of the mined entry line of the record sheet may be transfer means therebetween having in combination, a base member affording a writing bed surface and an auxiliary sheet holding member slidably mounted on said base, means on the upper suriaceof said base member adapted to receive and removably retain a master sheet having successive lines upon which entries are to be posted. means on said holding member adapted to receive and removably retain a record sheet having a line upon which entries are to be posted, a series of longitudinally spaced projecting guide pins arranged on said base, said holding member having a longitudinal groove formed therein and adapted to. engage said series of pins to guide the slidable'holding member through its path of movement, a series ofcentering recesses formed in one of said members and spaced to substantially correspond .with the spacing of the entry lines of th master sheet. and a locating pin supported on the other of said members for cooperation with any or the recesses of said series and being adapted to position the slidable holding member with the entry line of the record sheet supported thereon in register with a predetermined entry line of the underlying master sheet.

17. A collating and posting device having a upper surface of said base member adapted to receive and removablv retain a master sheet having successive lines upon which entries are to be posted, means on said holding member adapt' ed to receive and removably retain a record sheet having a line upon which entries are to be posted,

one of said members having aiseries o1 longitudinally spaced projecting guide pins arranged thereon, the other of said members having a longitudinal groove formed therein and adapted to engage said series of pins to guide the slidable member through its path of movement, a series or centering recesses formed in said holding member and spaced to substantially correspond with the spacing of the entry lines of the master sheet, and a locating pin supported on said base member for cooperation with any of the recesses of said series and being adapted to position said slidable holding member with the entry line of the record sheet supported thereon in register with a predetermined entry line of the underlying master sheet.

18. A collating and posting device having a variable writing line and being adapted for use in posting items on a plurality of sheets positioned thereon in superimposed. relation with transfer means therebetween having in combination, a base member aflording a writing bed sur-- face and an auxiliary sheet holding member slidably mounted on said base, means on the upper surface of said base member adapted to receive and removably retain a master sheet having successive lines upon which entries are to be posted, means on said holding member adapted to receive and removably retain a record sheet having a line ,upon which entries are to be posted. one of said members having a series of longitudinally spaced projecting guide pins arranged thereon, the other of said members having a longitudinal groove formed therein and adapted to engage said series of pins to guide the slidable member through its path of movement, a series or centering recesses formed in one of said members and spaced to substantially correspond with the spacing of theentry lines of the master sheet,

and a'locating pin supported on the other of said -r'iruimbers for cooperation with any of the recesses of said series and being adapted to position the slidable member with the entry line of the record sheet supported thereon in register with a predetermined entry lineof the underlying master sheet.

WALTER B. PAYNE. 

